15 Frequently Asked Questions : Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India for Canadian Patients

Q1 · Why Do Canadian Patients Consider Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India?

Canadian patients may consider India for cancer treatment because of a combination of specialist oncology expertise, advanced hospitals, multidisciplinary cancer-care teams, treatment technologies and potentially lower private-treatment costs.

Some reasons patients consider India include:

• Experienced medical, surgical and radiation oncologists
• Multidisciplinary cancer-care teams
• Large multispeciality and dedicated cancer hospitals
• Advanced cancer diagnostic facilities
• Surgical oncology
• Minimally invasive and robotic cancer surgery at selected centres
• Chemotherapy and systemic cancer treatment
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy where medically appropriate
• Molecular and pathology-based treatment planning
• Selected advanced radiation technologies
• Bone marrow and stem-cell transplantation for appropriate blood cancers
• Access to complex and revision cancer surgery
• Potentially shorter waiting periods for planned private treatment
• Competitive treatment costs compared with some private healthcare options
• International-patient services in major Indian medical cities

However, cost should not be the only factor. Canadian patients should discuss overseas cancer treatment with their Canadian oncologist or healthcare professional and carefully assess the proposed treatment, hospital, specialist expertise, continuity of care and follow-up requirements.

Q2 · How Much Does Cancer Treatment and Surgery Cost in India Compared with Canada?

The cost of cancer treatment varies considerably according to cancer type, stage, treatment approach, hospital, oncologist, surgeon, medicines, technology, number of treatment cycles and patient's individual medical condition.

Canadian patients should compare the complete treatment cost rather than looking only at the surgical or procedure fee.

For Easy Comparison, Costs are mentioned in US Dollars (USD), Indian Rupees (INR) and Canadian Dollar (CAD).

Exchange Rate Used for Planning

C$1 ≈ US$0.73  •  US$1 = INR 95

Important: Cancer treatment costs can vary substantially. Drug prices, cancer stage, pathology, molecular testing, treatment duration, ICU requirements, complications and supportive care can significantly change the final amount. These are planning ranges rather than guaranteed hospital quotations.

What Should Be Included in the Total Cost?

Canadian patients should ask whether the quotation includes:

• Oncologist consultation
• Surgical oncologist consultation
• Medical oncology consultation
• Radiation oncology consultation
• Pathology review
• Biopsy and molecular testing
• Cancer staging investigations
• CT, MRI, PET-CT or other imaging where required
• Surgeon fees
• Hospital charges
• Operating-room charges
• Anaesthesia
• Chemotherapy medicines
• Immunotherapy or targeted medicines
• Radiation therapy
• Radiation planning
• Medical equipment and technology
• ICU care where required
• Room and hospital stay
• Medicines and consumables
• Blood products where required
• Nutrition and supportive care
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation where required
• Follow-up consultations
• Management of treatment-related complications
• Additional hospital days if required
• Accommodation outside the hospital
• Flights
• Visa
• Travel insurance
• Local transportation

Patients should also budget for flights, accommodation, visa, local transportation, additional stay and possible treatment-related expenses.

Compare the full planned treatment journey, not only the cancer treatment quotation.

Compare the Complete Treatment Cost

Canada: The cancer-treatment journey may include diagnosis, pathology, staging, oncology consultation, surgery and/or systemic or radiation treatment, hospitalisation, recovery and follow-up.

India: The treatment journey may include pre-travel medical-record review, specialist oncology consultation, pathology and staging review, treatment planning, surgery and/or cancer therapy, hospital care, recovery and follow-up planning.

Q3 · Which Indian Cities Are Best for Cancer Treatment and Surgery for Canadian Patients?

The right Indian city depends on the cancer type and stage, required treatment, oncology specialist, hospital facilities, pathology and diagnostic capabilities, radiation technology, surgical expertise, supportive care and follow-up arrangements.

The final city should be selected according to the patient's cancer type, stage and treatment requirements

Q4 · Which Hospitals in India Provide Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Canadian patients should consider hospitals with appropriate oncology departments, cancer surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, diagnostic imaging, intensive care and multidisciplinary treatment capabilities.

Hospital availability, specialist availability and specific cancer-treatment programmes can change. Patients should confirm the relevant oncology department and specialist before travelling.

Q5 · What Types of Cancer Treatment and Surgery Are Available in India?

Cancer treatment is usually planned according to the cancer's type, stage, pathology and molecular characteristics.

Cancer Surgery

Depending on the cancer, surgery may include:

• Tumour removal
• Organ-preserving cancer surgery
• Minimally invasive cancer surgery
• Laparoscopic cancer surgery
• Robotic-assisted cancer surgery
• Complex cancer surgery
• Revision cancer surgery
• Reconstructive surgery following cancer removal

Medical Oncology

Treatment may include

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Combination systemic treatment
• Maintenance treatment where appropriate

Radiation Oncology

Depending on the cancer, radiation treatment may include:

• Conventional radiation therapy
• IMRT
• IGRT
• Stereotactic radiation therapy
• Stereotactic radiosurgery in selected cases
• Brachytherapy
• Proton therapy in selected indications

Blood Cancer Treatment

Selected specialised centres may provide treatment for:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Other haematological malignancies

Treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted treatment, immunotherapy and stem-cell transplantation where medically appropriate.

The final treatment plan should be determined by a qualified multidisciplinary oncology team.

Q6 · How Can Canadian Patients Get a Cancer Treatment Quotation from India?

Canadian patients should ideally have their medical records reviewed before travelling.

Step 1: Collect Medical Records

Prepare

• Biopsy report
• Histopathology report
• Immunohistochemistry results
• Molecular/genetic test results where available
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• PET-CT reports/images
• X-rays where relevant
• Blood-test reports
• Previous treatment records
• Previous surgery reports
• Chemotherapy records
• Radiation records
• Current medication list
• Discharge summaries

Step 2: Specialist Review

The Indian oncology team may review:

• Cancer type
• Stage
• Pathology
• Molecular characteristics
• Previous treatment
• Current disease status
• Overall health

Step 3: Treatment Recommendation

The specialist may recommend:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Combination treatment
• Additional diagnostic testing

Step 4: Cost Estimate

Once the proposed treatment pathway is established, the hospital can provide an estimated treatment cost.

Canadian patients should ask for a written quotation specifying inclusions and exclusions.

Q7 · Can Canadian Patients Get a Second Opinion in India for Cancer?

Yes. A second oncology opinion can be useful, particularly when the diagnosis is complex or when major surgery, systemic treatment or advanced radiation therapy has been recommended.

A second opinion may review:

• Cancer diagnosis
• Pathology
• Cancer stage
• Imaging
• Molecular test results
• Previous treatment
• Proposed surgery
• Need for chemotherapy
• Need for radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy options
• Targeted therapy options
• Clinical treatment alternatives
• Multidisciplinary treatment approach

Patients should provide the complete pathology report and relevant imaging rather than relying only on a summary.

A second opinion should not delay urgent cancer treatment recommended by the treating medical team.

Q8 · What Cancer Treatment Records Should Canadian Patients Take Home?

Canadian patients should request complete medical records before returning home.

These may include

• Final diagnosis
• Histopathology report
• Immunohistochemistry report
• Molecular/genetic test results
• Staging information
• Operative report
• Discharge summary
• Chemotherapy treatment records
• Medication records
• Radiation treatment summary
• Radiation dose and treatment information
• Imaging reports
• Copies of CT/MRI/PET-CT scans where available
• Laboratory reports
• Treatment response assessments
• Follow-up plan
• Future treatment recommendations

For patients who have received surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, these records can help Canadian healthcare professionals continue treatment without unnecessary duplication.

Q9 · Are Advanced, Minimally Invasive and Technology-Assisted Cancer Treatments Available in India?

Selected Indian cancer centres provide advanced treatment technologies.

Depending on the cancer and clinical indication, these may include:

• Robotic-assisted cancer surgery
• Laparoscopic cancer surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Image-guided procedures
• Advanced pathology
• Molecular cancer testing
• PET-CT
• Advanced MRI and CT imaging
• IMRT
• IGRT
• Stereotactic radiation
• Brachytherapy
• Proton therapy at selected centres
• Targeted cancer therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Advanced haematology and stem-cell transplantation programmes Not every treatment is suitable for every patient.

The most advanced technology is not automatically the most appropriate treatment. The decision should be based on cancer type, stage, pathology, molecular findings, previous treatment and the specialist's assessment.

Q10 · Does Canadian Public Health Insurance or Travel Insurance Cover Cancer Treatment in India?

Canadian patients should not assume that planned cancer treatment in India will be covered by provincial or territorial public health insurance.

Coverage rules differ between provinces and territories. Patients should contact their provincial or territorial health plan before travelling and ask whether any planned treatment outside Canada could qualify for reimbursement.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can also contain exclusions for planned medical tourism and pre-existing medical conditions.

Patients should specifically ask about:

• Existing cancer diagnosis
• Planned cancer treatment
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Treatment complications
• Emergency hospitalisation
• Medical evacuation
• Repatriation to Canada
• Additional accommodation
• Flight changes
• Cancer-related emergencies

Patients should disclose their medical history accurately and obtain written confirmation of applicable coverage wherever possible.

Q11 · Can Cancer Treatment Be Combined or Staged During the Same Trip?

Cancer treatment may involve several treatment modalities, but whether they can be combined during one trip depends on the cancer type, stage, treatment sequence and patient's health.

For example, treatment may involve:

• Surgery followed by chemotherapy
• Surgery followed by radiation
• Chemotherapy followed by surgery
• Radiation followed by surgery
• Chemotherapy combined with radiation
• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy as part of a treatment plan

Combined Treatment

In selected cases, multiple consultations, investigations or related treatments can be coordinated during the same medical journey.

Staged Treatment

Cancer treatment may need to be divided into stages over several weeks or months.

Neoadjuvant Treatment

Some patients may receive chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation before surgery to reduce or control the tumour before an operation.

Adjuvant Treatment

Other patients may require chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or hormone therapy after surgery.

Patients should not plan a shortened treatment schedule solely to reduce travel time. Cancer treatment timing should follow the oncology team's medical plan.

Q12 · What About Medical Visa, Flights and Hospital Admission for Cancer Treatment in India?

Canadian patients should complete medical planning before travelling.

Before Travel

Prepare

• Valid Canadian passport
• Appropriate Indian medical visa or applicable travel authorisation
• Medical records
• Biopsy and pathology reports
• Imaging reports and images
• Current medication list
• Previous treatment records
• Hospital appointment confirmation
• Travel insurance information
• Emergency contact details

Flights Patients undergoing active cancer treatment should discuss travel fitness with their treating healthcare professional before booking flights.

Depending on the patient's condition, travel planning may need to consider:

• Fatigue
• Anaemia
• Infection risk
• Recent surgery
• Recent chemotherapy
• Blood-clot risk
• Oxygen requirements where applicable
• Mobility assistance

Hospital Admission

After arrival, the patient may undergo:

• Oncology consultation
• Pathology review
• Imaging review
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Additional staging investigations
• Multidisciplinary treatment planning

The final treatment plan may be confirmed after the Indian oncology team has assessed the patient.

Q13 · How Long Should Canadian Patients Stay in India for Cancer Treatment and When Can They Fly Home?

The required stay depends heavily on the cancer type and treatment plan.

Approximate planning periods may include:

• Initial oncology consultation and investigations: 3–7 days
• Cancer surgery: approximately 1–3 weeks, depending on the operation and recovery
• Major or complex cancer surgery: approximately 2–4 weeks or longer
• Radiation therapy: several weeks, depending on the treatment schedule
• Chemotherapy: may require multiple visits over several weeks or months
• Combined treatment: potentially several weeks or longer
• Stem-cell transplantation: several weeks or longer These are planning ranges rather than fixed medical timelines.

Fitness to Fly

Before returning to Canada, patients should discuss:

• Surgical recovery
• Wound healing
• Infection risk
• Blood counts
• Medication requirements
• Blood-clot prevention
• Follow-up appointments
• Additional treatment requirements
• Fitness for a long international flight

Patients should avoid booking a non-changeable return flight before the treating team provides a realistic recovery and travel assessment.

Q14 · What Rehabilitation and Follow-Up Are Needed After Returning to Canada?

Cancer follow-up continues after the patient returns to Canada.

Depending on the cancer and treatment, follow-up may include:

• Medical oncology review
• Surgical oncology follow-up
• Radiation oncology follow-up
• Blood tests
• Imaging
• Cancer surveillance
• Medication management
• Wound care
• Physiotherapy
• Rehabilitation
• Nutritional support
• Pain management
• Psychological support
• Management of treatment-related side effects

Patients should return to Canada with complete treatment documentation.

The Canadian oncologist, family physician and other healthcare professionals should have access to:

• Diagnosis
• Pathology
• Imaging
• Operative report
• Chemotherapy details
• Radiation treatment summary
• Medication list
• Follow-up plan

This can help reduce unnecessary duplication of tests and support continuity of care.

Q15 · Should Canadian Patients Choose Cancer Treatment in Canada or India?

There is no universal answer. The decision should be based on medical suitability, cancer stage and urgency, specialist expertise, hospital capability, complete treatment cost, insurance, travel risks, recovery and long-term follow-up.

Canada May Be Preferable When

• The cancer requires urgent treatment
• Immediate local oncology care is required
• The Canadian cancer team has already established an appropriate treatment plan
• Clinical trials or specialised treatment available locally are important
• The patient requires close monitoring
• Follow-up close to family and the existing healthcare team is important

India May Be Considered When

• The patient is medically suitable for planned international travel
• The appropriate oncology specialist and hospital have been identified
• The required cancer treatment is available
• The patient has received a detailed medical opinion
• A written treatment estimate has been obtained
• The total cost remains acceptable after flights, accommodation, visa, insurance and possible additional stay
• A clear follow-up plan can be established in Canada

Before Making the Final Decision

Canadian patients should compare:

• Cancer type and stage
• Pathology and molecular findings
• Recommended treatment
• Oncologist and surgeon expertise
• Hospital oncology facilities
• Diagnostic and pathology capabilities
• Radiation technology where required
• Availability of medicines and treatment technology
• Expected treatment duration
• Hospital stay
• Total treatment cost
• Flights and accommodation
• Insurance coverage
• Recovery period
• Follow-up requirements in Canada

The final decision should be made together with the patient's Canadian healthcare professional and the Indian oncology team—not on price alone.